Shyne Feat. Pusha T – “Meyer Lansky”

Shyne’s transition from prisoner to citizen and finally back to recording artist has been a weird one. Religious and cultural awakenings aside, Shyne’s most jarring change has been as an emcee. Exaggerated phrasing replaces the gruff, no nonsense, quality of his original flow. His voice is no longer the Biggie-esque growl we came to love, but a congested whine. The differences are shockingly evident on his new release “Meyer Lansky” featuring Pusha T.

The artist formerly known as Po’ packs his verse with plenty of rich n***a rhetoric and threats of violence, but not much else. Pusha does the same, but with the dexterity and confidence of an old pro. Pusha careens around the track like a NASCAR driver, leaving the former Bad Boy choking on dust. Who knows if Shyne left the last bits of his talent on Club New York’s floor next to the spent shell casings and patrons who picked the wrong night to party. Only time will tell. Oy vey.

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Maybe it’s just me, but he sounds like he’s trying to do a Rick Ross impression with how he nonsensically builds his voice and emphasizes the choruses. Did say when he got out of jail he wanted to change his style and flow. Seems like he just stole it from a guy that stole someone else’s identity.